National Oceanographic And Atmospheric Administration Research Articles

Ground‐based measurements of Arctic haze made at Alert, N.W.T., Canada, during the Arctic Gas and Aerosol Sampling Project (AGASP)

Ground‐based measurements of Arctic haze were made which are comparable with data obtained aboard the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) P‐3 aircraft during March, 1983. Measurements of particle size distribution, particle ionic speciation, and condensation nuclei concentration were made at Alert, N.W.T., from March 16‐30. Comparison with the long‐term data taken by the Canadian Arctic Air Sampling Network shows that the period is typical of haze maxima in previous years. These data allowed a favorable comparison of the particle size distribution from the aircraft and ground sampler to be made.

Raman Remote Sensing Of The Ocean Mixed-Layer Depth

An oceanographic Raman lidar has been shown to be an effective tool for immediate (early) applications in Navy and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) programs. Remote sensing of the depth of the ocean mixed layer will be of significant importance both in acoustic propagation prediction and in long range weather and climate forecasting. The characteristics that are required in a dual polarization Raman lidar for this measurement are discussed. The feasibility of the concept has been tested in field experiments which have measured gradients to an accuracy of 0.5°C. The parameters of an airborne measurement system concept are described.

Multidisciplinary program to study warm core rings

A major research program is underway, sponsored principally by the National Science Foundation, to study warm core rings off t he East Coast of the United States. The program involves more than 25 principal investigators and 13 different institutions. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is actively participating through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) a n d their National Earth Satellite Service. NASA is cooperating with aircraft overflights during cruises and by sponsoring some shipboard work.

Climate and Energy Emergencies

On 3–5 November 1980 an informal meeting was held of Department of Energy (DOE) and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) personnel and contractors to discuss what kind of climate information was needed to prepare for possible energy emergencies. At the meeting it was pointed out that presently available world oil supplies and stockpiles should be adequate to prevent any oil supply shortfalls this winter (1980–81). However, any additional supply shortfalls or a world economic recovery that increased oil demand could be expected to cause problems in coming winters. The most important effect of climate on energy under these circumstances is its influence on the demand for heating fuel. The difference in oil and gas demand between a warm and a cold winter can be the energy equivalent of 400 million barrels of oil in the United States alone. This is comparable to the projected size of the strategic petroleum reserve. Because of the large impacts even small energy shortfalls can have on the nation's economy, it is essential that we make the best possible use of the nation's energy stockpiles. DOE and NOAA are collaborating on assembling a climate data base that will give much more detailed information on temperatures and heating degree days than was ever available before. Current data, forecasts, and historical data back to 1931 will be available for some 350 regions throughout the country. These data, together with more accurate models of the use of energy for heating, could give far better estimates of the amount of fuel reserves that are needed for a cold winter. Because these data show that not all parts of the country are cold at once, they could be used to develop plans for sharing fuel throughout the country. Since smaller reserves would be needed, significant additional reserves would be available to tide the country over during a cold winter and international oil supply shortfalls. The most important recommendation arising from the conference was that potential climate information users be contacted, both to make them aware of how the newly available climate information could be used and to find out what additional data requirements they might have.

NOAA's undersea research program

Regional underwater laboratories that are operated in conjunction with academic institutions will better meet the needs of future underwater research than one large mobile laboratory that i s equipped with the most sophisticated equipment, a newly released National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) report concludes.The report, ‘The Undersea Research Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,’ outlines the development of the agency's plans for marine scientific studies in the 1980's. NOAA defines ‘undersea research’ as marine research that requires ‘observational and manipulative tasks using man directly in the sea and extensions of his capabilities through use of submersibles, undersea facilities, and remotely controlled vehicles.’ In 1975, NOAA came to the conclusion that more sophisticated equipment and facilities would be needed to cover rapidly expanding fields of research, especially studies on the protection and use of ocean resources.

NOAA ship sails on trans‐Pacific research voyage: Will visit China

Government and university scientists aboard the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ship Oceanographer have begun a 20,000‐mile research odyssey that will culminate in June in a unique cooperative marine environmental study with China.The 303‐foot, 3800‐ton vessel will be the first United States ship in more than 30 years to work in Chinese waters and to visit the Peoples' Republic of China.

Department of Commerce

Within the Department of Commerce, the Domestic and International Business Administration, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Bureau of the Census have ongoing involvement in Africa and African affairs. NOAA and the Bureau of the Census operate in Africa as well as in Washington.The Domestic and International Business Administration puts out information on economic and marketing conditions in African countries in two series of annual publications: Foreign Economic Trends and Their Implications for the United States (FETs) and Overseas Business Reports (OBRs). Both of these series are published in conjunction with the U.S. Foreign Service.